Saying “we are not guests” and this is our building, the Senate today gave initial approval to a bill intended to solve a long-simmering feud between the executive and legislative branches of government.

House Bill 12-1348 spells out[3] that the legislature has authority over the tunnels that run under the state Capitol to nearby state buildings, the parking lot and grounds around the Gold Dome and two floors of the State Services Building[4] across the street after Attorney General John Suthers[5] and his staff leave for a new headquarters.

Senate Minority Leader Bill Cadman[6], R-Colorado Springs, said in his 12 years as a lawmaker there have been conflicts between the legislature and the administration.

“Look around. This is the Senate. We are senators. We are not guests here. This is our place of business. Our offices are ours,” Cadman said. “This has not been clear to administrations in the past.”

Cadman said there have been times when someone from the legislature needed access to the tunnels, which are used mainly for storage, and has been told, “‘No, you can’t have the key.’ We’re going to get the key with this bill.”

Lawmakers noted that two projects at the Capitol, including the most recent Dome restoration effort, forced the closure of parking spaces around the building. The legislature was not consulted[7] about how that was done, said House Minority Leader Mark Ferrandino, D-Denver.

The legislature occupies the second and third floors of the state Capitol. The governor, lieutenant governor and state treasurer are on the first floor. The nonpartisan legislative staffs and House committee rooms are in the basement, as is a coffee shop.

An official vote on the bill is expected on Friday. The measure already has passed the House.